Sweat, as stinky and uncomfortable as it can be, is a natural and healthy part of life, helping to cool the body. But excessive sweating can pose problems in your social life and relationships, and perhaps even to your emotional health. Excessive sweating can affect hands, feet and armpits. In rare cases, it can affect the face. This problem can be aggravating, embarrassing, and in some cases, easily treated.
Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, means that you sweat far more than your body needs you to sweat. For example, if you sweat while sitting calmly at your desk, that is excessive sweating.
In hyperhidrosis, the body's cooling mechanism is so overactive that it produces four or five times the amount of sweat that you need. About 3% of the population has excessive sweating.
Causes of excessive sweating:
1. Emotional Conditions
Sometimes excessive sweating occurs as a symptom of a mental health condition. For example, if you have an anxiety disorder, you may have panic attacks that include profuse perspiration. You might even sweat profusely if you are going through a particularly stressful period of your life or are depressed. In such a case, a therapist may help you to work through the things that are causing your stress. Often, medications are prescribed to treat anxiety and depression, putting an end to excess sweating at the same time.
2. Physical Ailments
There are many medical conditions that cause excess sweating. For example, it can be a symptom of diabetes, heart or lung disease, Parkinson’s disease or even cancer. Sometimes excessive sweating accompanies a serious infection, such as tuberculosis. If you feel that your perspiration is excessive and isn’t related to activity, climate or emotional upheaval, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. He may discover an underlying condition. With treatment, your excess sweat may be a thing of the past.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are often at the root of abnormal perspiration. For example, women experience hormonal fluctuations during menopause and often have hot flashes, which are marked by flushed skin and excess perspiration. Pregnancy is also accompanied by hormonal fluctuations and may also lead to extra sweat. Besides the hormonal changes common during pregnancy, the extra weight gain and increased blood flow can contribute to perspiration as well.
If you are experiencing excess perspiration because of hormonal changes, you might try wearing cooler clothing, keeping a fan or air conditioner on and drinking plenty of cool water. Hormone therapy or antidepressants may also prove helpful during menopause.
4. Medications
There are many medications, both prescription and over the counter, that are known to cause excess sweating. To determine whether excess perspiration is a side effect of medication, see your doctor for diagnosis. Take along a list of the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking. If it turns out that medication is causing the problem, your doctor may change your prescription or suggest alternatives to those you purchase over the counter.
5. Excess Weight
Obesity can contribute to excess sweating. Carrying extra weight causes the body to work harder for normal functions and processes. If this is at the root of your unwanted perspiration, beginning an exercise routine, coupled with a healthy diet, may help you to shed extra pounds. In the meantime, try wearing loose, cool clothing, keeping your home cool and using cornstarch powder to soak up extra sweat.
Excessive sweating can be not only uncomfortable, but also embarrassing. Fortunately, however, it doesn’t have to be a permanent condition. See your doctor to determine its cause, and then work to treat it.
A Revolution in the Treatment of Excessive Sweating!
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